Re-examined by Mr. GROVE--What are the other symptoms which you consider inconsistent with strychnia?--The sickness manifested before the attack came on; the beating of the bed clothes with the arms, want of sensitiveness to external impression, and the sudden cessation of the convulsions, and apparent complete recovery.
You mentioned previously the time that occurred between the ingestion of the poison and the paroxysm coming on. What inference do you deduce from that?--That it is inconsistent with strychnia.
As to the mode in which it came on without premonitory symptoms, do you consider that is inconsistent with strychnia?--There was apparently an absence of the usual condition that is described.
You stated that the bent form indicated some tetaniform symptom. Did that answer apply to natural tetaniform as well as to tetaniform convulsions caused by strychnia?--Yes. The bent form of the feet indicated tetanic spasm. That would be the case whether it was a tetaniform spasm with poison or without poison.
By LORD CAMPBELL--And the other symptoms of rigidity?--It is rather a question of degree.
They would be more violent if from poison?--No doubt.
You have stated in the cases of tetanus you have seen there was no intermission. Do you know, from your reading, that the intermission of the disease is a frequent thing?--I know it occurs, but it is not frequent.
As to decomposition of the spine. Do you think it could remain for nine weeks undecomposed?--I do not.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL--I have one question which I would put (this gentleman spoke as to vomiting), whether, if the stomach had been brought by any other cause into a state of irritation, would he think those causes inconsistent?
LORD CAMPBELL--I intended to put the question myself.
WITNESS--I should think it not inconsistent.
Mr. JOHN GAY, examined by Mr. GRAY--I am a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, and have been for eighteen years a surgeon of the Royal Free Hospital. In the year 1843 I had under my care in the hospital a case of tetanus in a boy eight years old. He was brought in on the 28th of July. The accident occurred a week before. I saw him on the 28th of July. He could not open his mouth at that time. He complained of great pain and stiffness about the neck. During the first three days I saw him he had unusually severe paroxysms.